Downfall

I want to preface this by noting that as of writing this review, I have not played the original freeware Downfall (2009), so this is strictly a review for Redux (2016.) I will likely update this review to include the original at a later date.

This is the second in the Devil Came Through Here series with The Cat Lady being first. Much like The Cat Lady, this is a linear point and click adventure horror that directly ties the two games together. In Downfall, instead of playing as Susan, you play as her neighbor Joe as he tries to save his wife and their marriage.

There are definitely a lot of improvements between The Cat Lady and Downfall including graphics, and while I appreciate the first game in the series a whole lot with it being one of my favorite story based games, Downfall, to me, is a lot more effective at highlighting themes of mental health and the recovery process and how those things effect those around you. I actually found Downfall to be more difficult to get through despite the puzzles being less challenging and the map being smaller in a sense (most of this game takes place in one building.) To me, the psychological horror elements really get turned up to the extreme and very much accurately portrays how it feels to battle these particular mental health conditions. At times, with incredibly edgy imagery, characters, and dialogue, I felt a massive wave of discomfort, which absolutely proves how effective this type of horror works in this game. Despite how gruesome this game can be at times, it was done in a very respectful way that speaks volumes of the hard work this studio has put into this series. And by no means does me saying that this is done respectfully indicate that this game isn't horrifying: it absolutely is and I want to emphasis how much pain is embedded within this story.

These games absolutely deserve more attention and I am very much looking forward to eventually completing Lorelai, the third game in this series.

Biggest jumpscare in this game was Cryaotic speaking to you while you're stuck in a coffin.

These games are the treasures of my childhood!

Although the story is short, I truly wondered at first if what I was seeing through the character’s point-of-view was reliable or not. I quickly realized that he has mental issues and trauma that was never fully overcome as an adult. I do give the creators a hat’s off for addressing a serious problem in society. The story had me hooked and was enjoyable to play. Great follow-up to the cat lady.

Downfall

joe sucks!!!!!!!!! he should die!!!!

The Cat Lady is still Harvester's best game, though all of them are flawed. If you really liked that game then you should probably play this one as it is connected and features some crossover lore that ALMOST saves the rest of the game. I didn't care about Joe and Ivy the way I did about Susan and Mitzi, though, and I don't think this one gets to the deeper levels that the other games do. Agnes is probably the most memorable character here and absolutely the most likable. The plot feels like a nu-metal rip-off of The Shining and lacks the heart and honest depictions of mental illness that the later Harvester games have. There is some variability between the endings but they're only worth investigating if you feel drawn to the characters.

the ending of this game made me tear up seeing Joe fight so hard (with my choices), I got ending A 24/27 and though i wish i got B, you already know in this game it's FUCK SUSAN !!11!!!!!!!1!

Another very strong and dark point and click adventrue from the creator of The Cat Lady. While it's not as strong as that one, it still manages to deliver a haunting experience that delve in other equaly heavy subject matters.

Meh. Kinda slow and boring tbh. The story feels like one big acid trip. One minute you're in a basement and the next you're magically teleported back to the hotel and your character is like "derp that was stwange" and carries on like nothing happened. At least with the cat lady you were playing in the real world most of the time, your actions were logical and things made sense. This feels more like a bunch of illogical horror art scenes thrown together.

Wow... that was intense.

--HUGE SPOILER WARNING--

I'm not sure if Joe is schizophrenic or just hallucinates a lot, but the ending really made me question my choices throughout the game. I had played The Cat Lady before, which meant I knew that Joe was crazy in some kind of way, but never did I think it were like this. I played through the game thinking I was going to save Ivy; only to realise she'd been dead for a long time...

The game made me look at food in a different way. I don't think I'll be ever able to eat anything without thinking about the horrors I saw.

that was INSANE

yes

Este jogo tem uma história em parelelo a The Cat Lady, o que achei super interessante saber mais sobre os dois personagens.
É um jogo profundo que trata problemas mentais de uma forma de terror, o que é bem legal. Acrescento também que é um jogo profundo, com temas muito pesados então se vc tem gatilho com esse tipo de coisa, é bom ter cuidado. Recomendo muito pra quem gosta desse tipo de jogo!

not sure what that was, but it was not fun

A classic and creepy horror game. It has nice mysteries and puzzles to solve, the story is very compelling. I also recommend to check out the other games from the same developer if you enjoyed this one.

This game perfectly complements the first game. The art style is different enough from the first game to make it feel fresh. Needed to watch a few explanation videos before fully understanding the story but it adds a layer to the game where not everything is what it seems. Compared to the first game, this is less creepy but more gory.

I just finished the game and ended up binging it all in one day—I couldn’t stop because I kept wanting to see what happened next. The story is fantastic and incredibly engaging. I really liked the golden ending and the interactions with the cat lady. While I know many people prefer the cat lady, I actually enjoyed Downfall much more! The main character felt very relatable to me, and I feel like I understand his struggles. The gameplay was also noticeably smoother and more polished—it didn't crash even once for me. 100% recommended for people who enjoy point and click, psychological horror, unsettling environments and slightly slower paced games.

Upon completing The Cat Lady I asked myself if there was more to it, and there was, thankfully. Just as good as the other game, but I'd say it either resonates with you or not, because the protagonist is troubled in a sense you might find overly unpleasant, basically here you're a schizophrenic abuser and it's your choice whether he will actualize the last remaining kindness in his soul or not.
I enjoyed TCL, but this one was more.. relatable.

Even though i liked The Cat Lady a bit more, this is still a great game when youre into dark, grim, depressing themes. Recommended!

A descent into madness. Wonderfully creepy.

while the cat lady still remains my favorite, it was enjoyable. the style and soundtrack were good as usual, added to a dreadful atmosphere.

Downfall is a direct continuation of The Cat Lady, and by that means, it maintains the main qualities and characteristics of the first game. Both explore the dark and introspective themes of mental illness, the human condition, and personal suffering, told through a complex, non-linear narrative filled with grotesque and horrific symbolism. At the same time, Downfall presents a different perspective with a new character, who has traits and objectives that starkly contrast with The Cat Lady's protagonist, Susan Ashworth.

Following the themes of The Cat Lady, Downfall delves into the struggles within relationships, exploring deeply personal aspects of the mind and self, such as trauma, mental illness, and eating disorders, while also allowing space for bittersweet hope and redemption. Unlike The Cat Lady, Downfall tones down the shock-value horror and surrealism, instead focusing more on the psychological and emotional representation of the characters through symbolism. The characters' personalities and traits are essential to understanding the game's story and ideas.

When compared to other great psychological horror games, Downfall clearly takes inspiration from Silent Hill 2. This influence is evident in how the game portrays and uses its complex storytelling to explore the psyche of the protagonist, Joe Davis, and his relationship with his wife, Ivy Davis. The game features a few puzzles that are inherently tied to understanding its themes and story. Like The Cat Lady, Downfall offers three different endings, all based on the choices you make throughout the game.

So, if you enjoyed the heavy, grotesque story and themes of The Cat Lady and want to explore more of the Devil Came Through Here universe, Downfall is obviously a must-play.

as twisted as it gets

I absolutely adore this game, would highly recommend. I can't tell you how many times I finished this game, still doesn't get me bored. The storyline is the one that makes me an addict of playing it. If you enjoy story based thrilling games, that's probably the one that you're looking for.

Great story. Fantastic artwork. Every background is setup in perfect hierarchy and chaotic/eerie harmony. The tunes are fantastic and give this horror game an in depth horror feel. Sound effects are on point as well. I always want Joe to be the best Joe he can be T ~ T...

(Pls.) Love your wife and cherish her forever.

Joe Davis beats James Sunderland as a husband any day. I said what I said.

such a nice game, almost as good as the cat lady, I wish I could play it again for the first time

Downfall was beyond amazing and really gives you something to think about, For me, it was right up there with The Cat Lady. A must play no matter your usual genres of choice are.

Absolutely amazing storytelling and writing! I felt so immersed within the game and enjoyed the topics the game explores. I think Joe's character was extremely interesting, and I loved how it ties into The Cat Lady, one of my favorite games of all time. Definitely recommend this!

神中神

very well done, loved this game: 9/10

great game, play the cat lady first

One of my favorite games I have ever played. I first played the Cat Lady 2 years ago and I fell in love with series when a friend and his wife introduced me. Then recently I bought them all. I just played and beat both Downfall and Lorelai this week. My next play is to replay the cat lady on this account and then play Burnhouse Lane which is a spinoff game with connection to the trilogy. made by the same creators. Let me tell you though. The story in all of these games has been nothing less than impactful and amazing and dark as hell lol. But anyways for me personally 10/10 would 100% recommend. Thank you @Harvester Games for these masterpieces of story that you have created.

One of the creepiest games I have ever played. So scary. No cheap jump scares but real and universal fears. A good proof that fear can be created with characters (and their voices) and story, without the need of grand visual effects nor noisy monsters jumping at you.

A masterpiece in psychological horror. It`s shorter than Cat Lady, but the story is much richer in this one. Voice acting is pretty good as well.

Nothing bad to say from my time playing one of the games of all time

Downfall is as excellent as The Cat Lady, if not more. I love how they connected the two games and brought back some characters as cameos. Not much has changed technically, but that's not an issue with this type of game.

A1 series. needed this in my life.

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